DVD review: Quebec Magnetic

Reviewed by Craig Mathieson

GIVEN that their studio albums are infrequent and seemingly blighted by questionable production decisions - 2003's St. Anger had an abominable drum sound, 2008's Death Magnetic was overly compressed - this live DVD may be the best way to take in the reach of Metallica, a band who've continued to define metal's defiance even with middle age, reverence and untold wealth.

Recorded over two nights at Quebec's Colisee Pepsi Arena, the performance alternates between flinty, fulsome stadium rock and speed-metal riffage that comes with a palpably sweet level of dedication from both fans and band.

Metallica give the best face in popular music, whether it's the dopey pleasure of guitarist Kirk Hammett or the righteous pout of drummer Lars Ulrich.

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Despite being an institution, Metallica practise an unadorned faith. They play very loud and very hard for the believers.